LOS
ANGELES COUNTY – The Board of Supervisors approved a motion by Supervisor
Kathryn Barger, coauthored by Supervisor Solis, to incorporate a holistic
approach to care for young people in county probation halls and camps.
Barger’s motion creates a new leadership position within the Department of
Mental Health – the Director of Coordinated Care for Juvenile Health — who
will work in collaboration with the Probation Department’s Juvenile Services
unit to facilitate a continuum of care equipped to address each individual’s needs.

The
Los Angeles County Probation Department supervises on average, 1,000 young
people daily in juvenile halls and camps. “Many of our county’s young people
within this population have experienced significant trauma, often paired with
complex medical conditions which require multidisciplinary care and support,”
said Supervisor Barger. “A well-coordinated and integrated plan for
health and well-being should continue upon reentry into communities to help
them achieve their goals and success in adulthood.”

“L.A.
County is reexamining and modernizing our justice system, moving away from
punishment and incarceration and towards diversion and rehabilitation –
especially for justice-involved youth,” said Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, who
co-authored the motion. “An executive-level Director of Coordinated Care, a
trained psychiatrist, will help serve the mental wellbeing of justice-involved
youth. As a result of this motion, I am confident we will see more
positive outcomes.”

The
Health Agency and the Chief Executive Officer working with the Chief Probation
Officer and the Director of Personnel, will report back to the board in 60 days
on the creation of the Director of Coordinated Care, Juvenile Health, to
include hiring status and timeline moving forward.